Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman said on Wednesday that he was hopeful to give a better performance in the pace-friendly Bloemfontein wicket which would host the second Test of the ongoing series against South Africa from Friday. The Tigers suffered a massive 333-run defeat against the hosts in the first Test at Potchefstroom where Bangladesh pacers had to struggle a lot and looked so ordinary in terms of opposition bowling attack.
Although all the Bangladeshi bowlers went for runs, pacer Mustafiz had a much better outing in the match than his team-mates as he was the most successful bowler for the visitors with 1-98 and 2-30 in two innings.
‘The wicket was slow and we could bowl around 130-140km/h. So I tried to use all my variations like cutter as well as changing my bowling ends,’ the 22-year told reporters after their practice-session at Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
The wicket of the first Test at Senwes Park was akin to the wickets of the sub-continent but in the second Test at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein the Tigers would get a typical South African pace-friendly surface where it would be more challenging for them.
The left-arm pacer was aware of the fact but he insisted that he would try to perform well for his team which was more important for the visiting side.
‘I don’t get excited to see the wickets. It seems like the balls will go faster in here. I always try to perform well which is more important for my team. So I will try to play keeping these in my minds,’ he added.
Although Mustafiz claimed that he was yet to see the Bloemfontein pitch but he was optimistic that it would be a much better surface for the pacers than the previous wicket they played in the first Test.
‘I just looked into the wicket from the sides.
‘I think this wicket is much better than the last match wicket,’ he added.
-With New Age input
